Maryland's leaders need to speak out on global warming [Letter]

Sen. Ben Cardin's statement, "Water levels are increasing. Representing a coastal state like Maryland, we see that. We see the impact of [global warming]," was a clear sign that he understands the urgency of addressing global warming. Given the PR campaign by the dirty energy industry to spread junk science and deny climate change, it is critically important for elected officials to make statements like this.

The next step is acting, and that means cleaning up our power plants — America's top source of carbon pollution — and shifting to wind, solar and energy efficiency. President Barack Obama is moving forward with a new climate action plan to limit carbon from power plants, but he'll need the support of Marylanders to make that happen.

I urge more of Maryland's elected leaders to join Senator Cardin and support strong limits on carbon from power plants so that we can protect our children's future from the worst impacts of global warming.